This is an IHeart podcast.

Bridgeton, the official podcast, is a production of Shandaland in partnership with IHeartRadio.

Welcome back to Bridgerton, the official podcast, your exclusive peak behind the curtain of Shondaland's Bridgerton series.

I'm Betsy Beers, executive producer Bridgerton, and I'm also your host of Inside the Ton,

a deep dive into the genesis and journey of some of the most beloved characters from the show.

For the third installment of this four-part special,

we're meddling in the business of Violet Bridgerton and Portia Featherington,

two widow mothers of the ton,

who on the surface really could not be more different from one another.

But one thing they have in common,

both mamas are determined to do what they think is best for their

children. I'll be joined by the remarkable writers and bona fide Bridgeton scholars,

author Julia Quinn, and showrunner Jess Pranelle. We'll also hear from actors Ruth Gamble

and Polly Walker on the intersection of these legendary matriarchs.

But first, come on.

Let's recall the recent events in the lives of Lady Violet Bridgerton and Lady Portia Featherington.

Lady Portia Featherington has spent the better part of the past two seasons and drilled in scandal.

Wow, there has been a lot of scandal.

First, she welcomed pregnant Marina Thompson into her home.

And while Portia tried to marry her off before the rest of the Ton learned her secret,

Lady Whistledown had other plans.

Meanwhile, Portia's husband gambled away all their money, and he passed away,

...